AutoSafe™ Test Facilities
AutoSafe™ testing is performed in a network of independent crash labs, proving grounds, cybersecurity benches and EV battery test centres, all operating under harmonised IAF protocols. Each facility type focuses on a different dimension of safety and integrity.
From full-scale crash tests to advanced cyber intrusion simulations and long-term durability rigs, every test environment is selected to reflect real-world risks while maintaining repeatable, auditable conditions. Only facilities that align with IAF’s technical standards and governance requirements can be used for official AutoSafe™ evaluations.
Multi-environment Testing
Crash halls, test tracks, climate chambers, cybersecurity benches and EV abuse facilities — all integrated into one unified and harmonised evaluation program. Each environment replicates specific real-world risks under controlled, repeatable conditions.
Why AutoSafe™ Facilities Matter
AutoSafe™ ratings are only as reliable as the environments where vehicles are tested. This section explains how facility quality, independence, instrumentation accuracy and data integrity directly influence the trustworthiness of a rating.
- Why advanced crash, cyber and EV test centres are essential.
- How consistency and traceability are maintained across facilities.
- How facility approval ensures unbiased, scientifically valid results.
Types of AutoSafe™ Test Facilities
Different risks require different environments. AutoSafe™ therefore uses a combination of crash laboratories, proving grounds, digital security benches, EV battery test centres and durability & climate chambers, each with clearly defined roles and protocols.
Crash & Occupant Protection Labs
Full-scale crash halls equipped with high-speed cameras, dummy instrumentation and advanced data capture.
- Frontal offset & full-width crash test tracks.
- Side impact & pole impact configurations.
- Roll-over rigs and roof strength setups.
- Adult & child dummy injury measurement systems.
VRU & Active Safety Proving Grounds
Realistic test tracks where AEB, lane support and VRU detection systems are validated in dynamic scenarios.
- AEB Car-to-Car & junction scenarios.
- AEB Pedestrian & Cyclist (day & night).
- Lane support and road edge scenarios.
- Variable-adhesion surfaces and gradients.
Digital Integrity & Cybersecurity Labs
Controlled environments for network intrusion testing, OTA validation and keyless security assessments.
- CAN / Ethernet penetration benches.
- Secure OTA & firmware signing verification.
- Keyless entry relay attack simulations.
- Sensor spoofing benches for automated functions.
EV Battery Safety & Abuse Test Centres
Specialised facilities for thermal runaway, mechanical abuse and water ingress tests on high-voltage packs.
- Cell and pack-level thermal propagation tests.
- Penetration, crush & drop scenarios.
- Submersion, IP and saltwater exposure rigs.
- Post-crash HV isolation behaviour mapping.
Durability & Climate Chambers
Simulate years of use and extreme climate exposure in an accelerated way.
- Corrosion & salt-spray cycles.
- -40°C to +70°C thermal cycling.
- Humidity, UV & environmental endurance.
- Chassis and suspension fatigue rigs.
Hybrid & Specialised Facilities
Facilities that combine physical and digital evaluations, or provide highly specialised capabilities.
- HIL/SIL benches linked to physical tests.
- Mixed reality environments for ADAS validation.
- Special rigs for niche or emerging technologies.
How a Facility Becomes Approved for AutoSafe™ Testing
Not every crash lab or proving ground is automatically eligible for AutoSafe™ testing. Facilities must demonstrate that they can apply IAF methods consistently, manage data properly, and maintain independence from commercial influence.
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Capability & Infrastructure Review
Facility layouts, equipment, instrumentation, safety systems and staff qualifications are reviewed against IAF requirements for the relevant test types. -
Methodology Alignment
The facility demonstrates that its procedures match AutoSafe™ protocols, including setup, execution, data acquisition, processing and reporting. -
Pilot Tests & Correlation
Selected pilot tests are run and compared against reference results to confirm that the facility produces consistent, reliable outcomes. -
Approval & Scope Definition
If successful, the facility is listed as AutoSafe™-approved for specific test categories (e.g. frontal crash, AEB VRU, cyber, EV battery). -
Ongoing Oversight
Facilities remain under periodic review, including audits, proficiency tests and data consistency checks.
Independence & Governance
- Commercial relationships cannot influence individual test results.
- Facility staff follow documented conflict-of-interest rules.
- All results are traceable back to raw data and calibration records.
This ensures that AutoSafe™ decisions remain scientifically defensible, regardless of who funds a test or which brand is involved.
Why Transparent Test Facilities Matter
AutoSafe™ is about trust. Publishing how and where vehicles are tested helps consumers, manufacturers and regulators understand that the final rating is based on real, independently executed tests – not on closed-door declarations.
- Consumers know that the label refers to real crash, cyber and durability tests.
- Manufacturers see a clear path to align their internal labs with IAF methods.
- Regulators and fleets can trace every rating back to a concrete facility and protocol.